Born Feb. 11, 1932, in Delavan, the daughter of Charles Wesley and Anna Christine Nelson Denman, she married Clare M. Christensen on Nov. 1, 1953, at the Delavan United Methodist Church. He survives.

Also surviving are two daughters, Christine (Mark) Perry of Pekin and Linda Christensen of Delavan; a son, Martin Christensen of Delavan; two grandsons, Matthew Perry of Evansville, Ind., and Andrew Christensen of Delavan; a brother, Charles N. (Sandra) Denman of Delavan; brother-in-law, Loyal (Rosemary) Christensen of California; three stepgranddaughters, Tara (Curt) Burrell of Mackinaw, Yvette (Nick) Smith of Texas and Heather Perry of California; three stepgrandsons, Brian Perry of Pennsylvania, Shawn (Michelle) Moore of Minier and Jason (Sunny) Moore; seven stepgreat-grandchildren, Noah Burrell, Bailey and Mason Moore, Ethan and Kyra Moore and Wilson and Ava Smith; four nieces, Leisa Plumb and Arden Libby of California, Tammy Hill of West Peoria and Trudy "Aunt" Marlene Schaffner of Delavan; numerous stepnieces and nephews; and neighbor and friend, DeeDee Satterfield, and her daughter, Braylin.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her granddaughter, Abbey Nicole Christensen on March 1, 2009; stepmother, Neva Denman; and stepbrothers, Bill McMakin and Bob McMakin.

Marlene graduated from Delavan High School in 1950, 25 years after her mother and 25 years before her son. She was employed at State Farm, Mathis Lumber Co. and The Delavan Times. She was elected to the position of Delavan Township Supervisor, which she held for eight years.

She was a member of Delavan American Legion Auxiliary Post 382 and the Delavan Community Historical Society. She was a lifetime member of Delavan United Methodist Church and its United Methodist women. She was active in service with the Delavan Food Pantry for several years.

Through complications from surgery performed in July of 2010, Marlene had been paralyzed. In October of 2010, after rehabilitation in four hospitals, she returned to her home. She was overwhelmed and overjoyed with the response from the community to a benefit held on her behalf in September of 2011. She always said it was the most wonderful coming together of family, friends and community, showing what a true blessing it was to live in Delavan. It was an amazing celebration!

Her funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 11, 2014, at the Delavan United Methodist Church. Pastor Gene Ramsey will officiate. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, also at the church.

Davis Mortuary of Delavan is assisting the family with arrangements.

Memorials may be made to the Delavan United Methodist Church or the Delavan Community Food Pantry.

To express condolences online, visit www.davismortuaryinc.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Peoria Journal Star on Jan. 8, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Marlene Christensen

4 Entries

January 12, 2014

Our hearts are with you at this difficult time. Marlene will be remembered as a wonderful person by many people. She will always have a special place in our hearts.
Bob & Diane Pfeiffer

Patty Jeckel Kelley

January 9, 2014

Wonderful memories of the Christensen Family. My thoughts are with you all.

Wendy Schweigert

January 9, 2014

My sincerest condolences to Clare and all of Marlene's family. I never saw that woman without a smile on her face. She was a pleasure to know and will be truly missed.

Sylvia Stockham

January 9, 2014

I pray that cherished memories can help you through this journey. Marlene was a second Mom to me, I feel blessed to have been a part of her life.

Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results

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